London Is Getting A Fabulous New Night Market This Summer

Oval Night Market is ready to make their mark(et) on the capital.

We’ll admit it, sometimes we’re guilty of throwing covetous looks over at our New York brethren. What with their cheap subway fares, beautiful High Line, and sinfully good pizza, there’s a lot to be jealous of — but from next weekend, we can strike their famous night markets from that last. That’s because London is getting its own version, with the first outing of the Oval Night Market due to arrive on May 17th & 18th.

Set amongst the imposing gasworks of Cambridge Heath, Oval Night Market is named for The Oval of east London, rather than the venerable cricket ground south of the river. With the street parties of New York taken as inspiration, the market will temporarily pedestrianise The Oval for the evenings it runs — replacing traffic with street food, craft bars, artists and craftspeople, and live DJs, all without paying a penny to enter.

Oval Night Market will run throughout the summer, with the May dates joined by June 21st/22nd, July 12th/13th, and August 9th/10th. Heading to the market for the opening weekend are street eats from vivacious vegans Biff’s Jack Shack and a mac attack from Anna Mae’s, along with beers from Tiny Rebel, Five Points, and Ska Brewing. In honour of the inaugural market, Night Czar Amy Lamé will be on hand to open festivities.

Music will reportedly trend towards the “dusty disco, old school hip hop, funk and soul”, which we’re very much down with. Expect to see local arts and crafts given a prominent spot, too. All this, plus a mountain of food and bevs — who needs New York?*